Memphis will likely be the 3 seed going into the playoffs

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

They are currently 1 game back of the Lakers in the loss column, but this is their remaining schedule:

Suns
@Spurs
Jazz
@Hornets
@Timberwolves
Hornets
@Bobcats
Blazers
Cavs
Magic

There's a strong possibility they could go 9-1 in that stretch--especially with the way they've been playing lately.
As it is right now, the seeding is set-up well for the Lakers, where they would face the Rockets then (presumably) the Spurs in the 2nd round, setting up a showdown against Memphis or OKC in the WCF.

In reality, however, injuries and strength of schedule will likely drop LA down into the 4/5 bracket--which still sets up a favorable 1st rounder against the soft-ass Clips--but could net them a brutal 2nd round matchup with OKC.

If you were the Lakers, would you continue to rest Kobe through these next 2 weeks to not only recharge his batteries, but give San Antonio the 1st seed and keep them in LA's bracket? Basically concede the battles only to win the war later?

[Venti Quattro]

Hell or high water, the Lakers should try to obtain the third seed.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

I don't think they can beat OKC, so it's imperative they avoid them for as long as possible in the hopes somebody else bounces them.

[Venti Quattro]

OKC is going to kill them. They have an easier run-in than the Spurs so LA should keep winning to secure the third spot. Avoid OKC as long as possible.

[Spurtacus]

Memphis is red hot right now. Only two games back and they have a favorable schedule.

[ElNono]

Memphis will get the 3rd seed, as I predicted, and Spurs are simply going to stay at #2, seeing they will rest some guys from here till the end and OKC won't.

[Robz4000]

Just gotta hope the Suns rise up to that 7 spot and Dallas stays at 8 and beats OKC. Redemption road lookin' enticing right now.

[Cry Havoc]

What's really scary is that Zbo is only seeing 30 minutes per game right now and is still averaging 10+ boards.

Should be a tough West playoff race. The top 4 teams are all really rough outs. OKC vs LA or Memphis, and SA vs. LA or Memphis... all of those matchups are intriguing and should be amazing to watch.

[baseline bum]

Sucks... could there possibly be a harder route for the Spurs than Dallas->Memphis->OKC?

[Robz4000]

Sucks... could there possibly be a harder route for the Spurs than Dallas->Memphis->OKC?
Dallas is more than likely going to drop out of the playoff picture at this rate. They have some tough games to go still.

[Robz4000]

What's really scary is that Zbo is only seeing 30 minutes per game right now and is still averaging 10+ boards.

Should be a tough West playoff race. The top 4 teams are all really rough outs. OKC vs LA or Memphis, and SA vs. LA or Memphis... all of those matchups are intriguing and should be amazing to watch.
He's also taking ~15 shots and hitting only 4-5 of them.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

He's also taking ~15 shots and hitting only 4-5 of them.

Dallas is making the playoffs and don't think for a minute that Z-Bo isn't a gross mismatch for whomever the Spurs have guarding him.

[baseline bum]

Dallas is more than likely going to drop out of the playoff picture at this rate. They have some tough games to go still.

Nah man, them African Americans stacked after signing McGrady.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Dallas is making the playoffs and don't think for a minute that Z-Bo isn't a gross mismatch for whomever the Spurs have guarding him.

How many ridiculous fadeaways did ZBo hit last year? Because those won't be falling this year. Part of his arsenal is drawing a double team, and he just doesn't warrant that this year. He'll rebound and score some points, but he's nowhere near last year's ZBo.

It takes a LOT longer than 3 months to recover fully from ligament surgery, like a year. He might be 100% for NEXT year's playoffs.

[DPG21920]

OKC
SA
LAC
LA
Mem

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

How many ridiculous fadeaways did ZBo hit last year? Because those won't be falling this year. Part of his arsenal is drawing a double team, and he just doesn't warrant that this year. He'll rebound and score some points, but he's nowhere near last year's ZBo.


I admire your ever-optimistic disposition in the face of certain doom.

[Robz4000]

Nah man, them African Americans stacked after signing McGrady.
Oh wait, that post with the troll link was serious? :lmao

[Robz4000]

I admire your ever-optimistic disposition in the face of certain doom.
I admire your cunning. Cully really could learn a thing or two from the newer posters tbh.